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INC members at the rally in EDSA-Shaw on August 29, 2015. Photo by Pat Nabong/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines (4th UPDATE) – The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) on Monday, August 31, ended their 5-day protest against the government's supposed interference with internal church matters, saying they have reached an understanding with the Aquino administration.

(Our peaceful gathering, which we started last Thursday afternoon, is ending peacefully this Monday morning.)

Eagle News, a news group owned by the INC, said that the religious group reached an "agreement" with the government.

"Iglesia Ni Cristo General Evangelist Bro. Bienvenido Santiago announced the end of the 5-day peaceful assembly, saying that the Iglesia Ni Cristo and the government have come into peaceful agreement," the group said in its website and YouTube channel.

A few hours later, Malacañang, in a statement, said that "[through] goodwill and the convergence of efforts, the rule of law has been upheld."

"We appreciate the INC leadership’s directives for the withdrawal of their members from their gathering sites," the statement, attributed to Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, said.

The DOJ is currently investigating the alleged abduction of several of the church's ministers and members, allegedly upon the orders of the INC leadership.

Protesters nationwide disperse

Upon learning of the announcement, protesters assembling in other major cities in the country also started to disperse.

In Tacloban, about 2,000 gathered in front of DOJ office this morning. But past 9 am, they started to disperse because "may tawag from Manila na pinagbigyan na [kami]."

In Cebu, INC members started coming in from other parts of the Visayas last night; some, 7 am. The instruction was to meet up at the INC chapel between 9 and 11 am, then march to the plaza.

They initially wanted to stage a rally at Fuente Osmeña, but city hall didn't allow them because they would disrupt APEC activities. But before they could march, they were told the rally had been cancelled.

Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said policemen are continuing to monitor the security of the people who came in for the protests until they leave.

In Davao City, protesters said they got word from their church leaders to go home, after they were told that the INC and the government reached an understanding.

There were initial plans to move the protests back to the DOJ area on Monday, due to the expiration of the rally permit given by the Mandaluyong City police, but the activity was cut short by the announcement. – With reports from Paterno Esmaquel II, Mara Cepeda, Ryan Macasero, and Editha Caduaya / Rappler.com

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Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).